Monday Feb. 3, “Walking in Wisdom”
When I visited New York City, one of my favorite sights was St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I was blown away by the size, beauty, and majesty of the church. I’m sure the disciples felt that same awe and amazement as they marveled at the Jewish temple with its exquisite stones, and many gifts dedicated to God. “The Jewish historian Josephus says that the temple was covered on the outside with gold plates that were so brilliant, when the sun shone on them it was blinding to look at. And where there was no gold, there were blocks of marble of such a pure white, that strangers from a distance thought there was snow on the temple.” (David Guzik)
So I can just imagine the shock and amazement of the disciples when Jesus says of the temple, “As for these things which you are looking at, the days will come in which there will not be one stone upon another which will not be torn down.” (vs. 6) Immediately they questioned Him asking, “Teacher, when therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” (vs. 21:7) Jesus responds by giving a series of signs that would signal His return. “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.” (vs. 21:10-11) But more than just signs, Jesus next gives a series of warnings. Warnings of things the Lord says will take place before the day of His glorious return.
Don’t Be Misled- Many false prophets will come in Jesus’ name saying, “I am He”! And deceitful date setters will cry, “The time is near”! (vs. 8) So how do we guard ourselves against such people? By knowing the Word of God. Whatever teaching we hear, the first thing we need to do is to go to the Bible and make sure it is line with scripture. For as 2 Peter 1:20-21 teaches, “Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”. Measuring everything others say against what God says keeps us from falling prey to “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. (Matt. 7:10)
You Will Be Persecuted- “They will lay their hands on you”, and “Bring you before kings and governors for My name’s sake.” Following the Lord doesn’t ensure a life of peace. In fact, He says quite the opposite. He tells us that as Christians we will be betrayed, hated, and some of us even put to death. But to that Jesus says, “Do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell.” (Matt. 10:28) When persecution comes, as it undoubtedly will, we are to stand not in our own strength, but in His. Every tribulation is an opportunity to share the gospel. And Jesus says that if we trust Him, He’ll give us the perfect words to speak; words that no one will be able to refute.
Be On Guard- Just like sprouting leaves in the spring assures us that summer will soon follow, Jesus warns that when we see the signs fulfilled, “Recognize that the kingdom of God is near.” (vs. 21:31) He cautions us to keep watching, praying, and most of all, to guard our hearts. “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (vs. 21:36) We need to keep our eyes on the prize, living in constant awareness of His soon return. For as Jesus declares, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (vs. 33)
With all of the anger and division in the world today, like King David, I too find myself crying out,”How long shall the wicked, O Lord, how long shall the wicked exult.” (Ps. 94:3) How much longer before God cries, “Enough!” Yet I do not despair. For far from the world falling to pieces, instead the pieces of God’s plan are falling into place. Time’s are, as Pastor Adrian Rogers once said, “growing gloriously dark!” The season of the Lord’s return is upon us! So be on guard! Look up! “Straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!” (vs. 21:28)
